Tumbling device



Aug. 20, 1963 H. w. SWANBERG ETAL 3,100,946

TUMBLING DEVICE Filed Sept. 21, 1959 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. HARRY W. SWANBERG 8| ATTORNEY BY EDWARD W. SWANBERG I Aug. 20, 1963 H. w. SWANBERG ETAL 3,100,946

-TUMBLING DEVICE Filed Sept. 21, 1959 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG.

INVENTOR. HARRY W. SWANB a BY EDWARD w. SWAN %Wwm w AT TORN EY United States Patent O 3,109,946 TUMBLING DEVICE Harry W. Swanberg and Edward W. Swanberg, Denver, Colo.; said Edward W. Swanberg assignor of one-fourth to Charles B. Messenger, Edgewater, Colo. Filed Sept. 21, 1959, Ser. No. 841,225

10 Claims. (Cl. 461) The present invention relates to a tumbling device for use as a toy or for advertising displays.

Previously many difierent types of toys have been designed and made which utilized an inclined surface or nclined plane and the forces of gravity to effect an animation of a device or toy moving along said inclined plane. Others likewise have demonstrated means for making a toy or device walk in stumbling manner down such inclined surface.

It is an object of the present invention to provide structural features which contribute to an improved walking or stumbling action and which are likewise more easily adapt-able to mass production and assembly.

Another object of thisinvention is to provide a structure which is adaptable to advertising display purposes due to its adaptability to conventional containers without structural change and without obvious extra projections.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a novel type of inclined planewhich works cooperatively with the tumbling device to accentuate the desired animation, and further to provide novel means for actuating the inclined surface so that the tumbling movement of the animated object will be continued.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the appended description and drawings, in which FIG. 1 is a side elevation showing a manner of use of the invention,

FIG. 2 is a side elevation in partial section showing fea-.

tures of one embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 3 is a side elevation in partial section showing features of a further embodiment of the invention,

FIG.'4 is a side elevation of a modified version of the invention,

FIG. 5 is a side elevation showing a device made in accordance with the invention disposed in various step sequence positions,

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an improved type of inclined surface platform,

'FIG. 7 is a side elevation in partial section showing said platform and features of an actuating mechanism for said inclined platform,

ice

device down anarrow inclined surface platform that is itself actuated to continue the movements of said device.

The detailed features of embodiments of the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings, in FIG. 1 of which the operative combination of a tumbling toy or display device and an inclined platform 11 is shown. In this figure it will be noted that the platform 11 or inclined plane is only slightly tilted about its central fulcrum 12 so that a can type of tumbling device 13 may be moved downwardly along the-top surface 14- of the platform 11. Because the features of this invention are especially adaptable to the advertising display. of can type containers, two separate adaptationsof the invention are shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. In these figures can type containers 15 have been modified through the provision of a central pivot member 16 to obtain the desired motion. In both embodiments the bottom lids of the can containers 15 have been removed so that the cylindrical wall 17 of the container is in effect a downwardly depending skirt having a lower terminal edge 18. Where the invention is used in connection with the advertising of a regularly sold commodity, removal of the lower lid will retain the advertising on the exterior surface of the can 15 in its upright position.

In order to obtain the desired movement, the pivot member-16 or 16s is most conveniently attached to the top lid 19 of the cans 15. With this arrangement the rod pivot member 16 or 165 may be of considerable length to increase the resilience of the rod and to obtain increased movement of the can 15. Where it is desirable to further increase such resilience, a flexible connection between the rod 16 and the lid 19 is used. As shown in FIG. 2,

FIG. 8 is a side elevation in partial section showing i the tumblin-gdevice at the bottom of the inclined surface platform, and

FIG. 9' is a side elevation in partial section showing the tumbling device along a side guide rail of the inclined platform. g

Briefly stated, the present invention provides a tumbling device which is adapted to move down an inclined plane in an awkward or tumbling motion due to gravitational forces. through the cooperative use of a lower free edge or skirt on the device which surrounds an open interior space and a resilient pivot element disposed centrally of said skirt and depending slightly past the plane of the terminal edge of said skirt. Such structure combined with a high center of gravity causes an interaction between the skirt edge and the resilient pivot which tends to tumble and turn the device from side to side as it moves down the inclined plane. The invention further includes counterweight The tumbling awkward motion is obtained guides and depressions for directing movement of said a rubber compound 21 is used to join the downwardly extending rod 15 and the top lid 19. This rubber element 21 may be a poured latex rubber or any one of various types of rubber bonding cements or adhesive materials which will allow the desired freedom of movement between the rod 16 and the lid '19. of a rubber flexible element 21, other types of connections may be used as substitutes therefor to obtainthe desired resilience. g i

While it is highly desirable. to have considerable resilience between the pivot rod 16 and the lower skirt edge 18, the device is operable with more rigid type connections. A modified arrangement is shown in FIG. 3. Here the pivot rod 16s is rigidly secured to the top lid 19s by means of lock nuts 22 disposed on the adjusting threads 23 of the rod 16s. A simple rigid connection of this type will give a distinctive type of movement to a display device 13 as it moves down the inclined plane. However, a more accented type of movement is usually desired, and in such instance the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 may be modified to include either a flexible diaphragm type of lid 19s or additional movement may be obtained between the lower terminal edge 18 of skirt wall 17 and the lower pivot rod 16s through provision of a counterweight 24 that may be adjustably received on threads 26.

These described elements may be :used separately or together, as shown. Where a flexible type diaphragm 19s is used, the motion is quite similar (to that attained by the device shown in FIG. 2. The addition of the pendulum counterweight 24 introduces its own and novel type of movement for a display device 13. Actually the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 can be adapted to obtain several different characteristic movements due to the provision of the adjusting threads 23 and 26.. By chang ing the effective length of the pivot rod' 16s or by changing the positioning of the pendulum counterweight 24, the resultant movement of the device or can 15 may be modified. Other modifications are possible, since any structure which tends to resiliently mount a pivot member of small size so that the pivot end 27 extends In addition to the use a 3 a slight distance beyond the plane of the lower terminal edge 18 of the tumbling device 13 will satisfactorily accomplish the purpose of'the present invention so long as the essential features of resilience, slight extension and a high center of [gravity are observed. Because a high center of gravity and arelatively narrow base arerequired, can containers 15 having an overall dimensional shape similar to that shown are suggested. As an example of, proper design relationships, a twelve ounce beer can will have a distinctive wobblin-g and turning movement as it courses down an inclined surface 14 when the rod 16 is a resilient Wire of approximately 9 or 10. gauge extending about th to /s|th of an inch below the terminal edge 18 of the skirt wall 17. Since many can "containers 1'5 usually used for packaging various types of food and drink items have a general overall .shapejcorresponding'to the shape indicated, eye attracting displays for the advertising of many different prodnets are within the realm of this invention.

The'derived tumbling, :gyrating, stumbling, turning and toppling movement is eye catching and appealing. .Further, because of the fact that the container 15 has a tendency to rotate andturn as it movesdown the platforr'n-11, the'entire circumference of the container 15 will be exposed to the attentive viewer. Since the end 27 of the pivot element ld extends only a slight distance, the ordinary viewer will not be able to see the pivot rod 16 and will not notice the absence of the lower lid. The viewers interest will be heightened by the bathing nature of the display. 7 i i v Actually'tthe distinctive nature of the'rnovement for the device 13 is such that the invention is adaptable to use as an advertising display device and as a toy for the amusement of the observer. When used as a toy, the tumbling device 13s can be adapted or painted to simulate animals and other motive objects or caricatures thereof. An example of such usage is shown in FIG.

4, Where the depending skirt walls 17 aroused a define a form of animal caricature: In this and in other embodiments of theinvention the lower terminal edge 18 ot the skirt wall 17 maybe of other than circular conformation. Where-oval and angular patterns are used, the resultant action may be further accentuated or directional stability may be obtained.-

An analysis of the forces acting during characteristic movement'of a can container type display device is shown in FIG; 5. As the container moves progressively from rightto left down'the inclined platform' 11, it is seen that the vertical component V of the weight of the can 15 acting about the center of gravity (C.G.) may be at all times forward of the center line of the container'15. Likewise, it may be seen that the horizontal component H increases as the can 15 pivots about the end 27 of the pivot rod 16 from the position where the rear portion of the terminal edge 18 is in engagement with the plane sunface 14 until the forward portion of the terminal edge 18 comes into engagement with the plane surface 14 (right to-left). During such pivotal movement there is a corresponding change in the positioning of the pivot end 27 with respect to the depending skirt edge 18. This resultant change in (the relative positions of these elements causesthe periodic storage and release of resilient forces coactive between the pivot rod 16 and the container -15 or the lowerterminal edge 18 thereof. The storage and release of such forces tends to increase the intensity of the derived motion.

Where the plane surface 14 of the platform 11 is of irregular grain or texture or where imperfections of manufacture cause irregularities in the conformation of the lower terminal edge 18, sidewise components are likewise introduced to give the device its characteristic awkward and stumbling motion. The irregularity and unpredictable nature of such motion is enhanced by the fact that the pivot element or rod 15 is not fixed or constrained but has full tneedom of resilient motion. This 4 freedom of pivot movement results on occasion in the introduction of a circular movement to the tumbling device.

For the usual use of the device as a toy, it is generally unnecessary to provide a platform, since most any surface, such as a table top or piece, of plank, may be used. In general, it has been found, however, that the motion is so erratic that the platform must be many times the width of the, tumbling device in order to prevent the device from (going over the side. Since a wide platform may be undesirable for the purpose of an adertising display, it has been foundadvantageous to design and provide a novel type ot inclined platform which is useful in cooperation with the described tumbling device; FIGS. 6 through 9. v a

In F168. 6 and 7 the general elements of the platform 11 are shown. in these figures it will he noted that the platform 11 is provided with a centrally disposed plane surface 14 which is raised above side grooves 28 and end grooves 29. The entire structure is surrounded together with the structural features of the tumbling device previously described, makes it possible to provide an inclined platform 11 which is relatively narrow oorn- V g It is believed that the position of the grooves 28 adjacent the side pared with the possible length of travel.

rails 31 is of special importance, since tumbling devices of the type disclosed tend to stop againstlany usual side rail obstruction when they move into contact therewith. Where such stoppage is to be avoidedand'where it is desirable to reverse or continue the directionof moven'ien-t of the tumbling device; it has been found useful.

to provide grooves 28 adjacent the side retainerrails 31. These grooves, when approximately the "siZe-and'shape shown and more clearly indicated in FIGS. 8 and 9, tend to reverse'the' direction of movement forthe container by allowing the lower edge 18 of the containers to drop into th efrecess formed by the grooves so that the skirt wall 17 of the containers 15 bangs into the top edge 33 of the rails 31 and 32; This increased impact collision results in a recoil return movement for the container to direct it toward the center of the platform 11. When the side grooves 23 are used, the container 15 will often 'follow a zigzag and stumbling path across and down the platform 11 without coming to rest until the terminal skirt 'edgep13 falls into the end groove 129 to br-ingthe skirt wall 1'7 into contact with the end rail 32.

Since the end grooves 29 have an initial .purpose of stoppin the container 15, itis obvious that their pur pose is different from that of the side grooves 28. However, in some measure the purpose of the grooves 28 and 29 is similar, sincereception of the container in the end grooves 29 makes it possible to initiate an'increased downward movement for the container 15 when the tilting angle tor the platform 11 is reversed. Analysis of FIG. 7 will show that when the tilting angle of the platform 11 is reversed, the can 15 at the end of the platform 11'will initially pivot through a greater angle on its first movement away from its point of reception in the end groove 2%. This increased rotational movement init-ially impels the container 15 down the plane surface 14 of the retilted platform 11.

Provision of the end grooves 29 and the resultant ini- V Features of such a platform are shown in such automatic movement is shown in FIG. 7. Here a clock mechanism 34 is used to rotate an eccentric crank arm 36 about its pivot. The crank arm 36 coacts with an elongated opening 37 in connecting shaft 33 to periodically raise and lower opposite ends of the platform 11. Since the opening 37 is elongated, most of the rotational movement of the crank arm 36 will result in lost motion during the expenditure of which a container 15 may be tumbling down the plane surface '14. Cooperati-ve timing of the clock mechanism and of the usual travel time for the container 15 will assure arrival of the container 15 at the lower end of the platform 11 and against the lowermost of the end grooves 29 before reversal of the platform 11.

When the crank arm 36 comes into engagement with the end of the elongated opening 37, further rotational movement of the crank arm will cause a force to be exerted against the connecting shaft 38 to reverse the a direction of tilt for the platform .11. Through use of this arrangement or similar mechanically powered or motorized drive mechanisms, the movement of the tumbling device may be continued for long periods of time thereby making use as an advertising display possible.

In addition to the changes in the mechanism for actuating the platform, it will be obvious that other features of this invention are adaptable to modifications and changes. All such modifications and changes as come within the scope of the hereunto appended claims are deemed to be a part of this invention.

We claim:

'1. A tumbling device useful on an inclined surface to simulate erratic walking movements comprising a generally hollow structure, a downwardly depending skirt element on said structure having a lower terminal edge substantially defining a plane, and a pivot element dis posed with-in the confines of said skirt element in position spaced from and independent of said skirt element for relative movement with respect thereto and depending slightly past the plane of the terminal edge of said skirt element, said pivot element being a rod member having a free and unsupported lower end of length at least ten times longer than the diameter thereof.

2. A tumbling device useful on :an inclined surface to simulate erratic walking movements comprising a gen erally hollow structure, a downwardly depending skirt element on said structure having a lower terminal edge 6 material of sufficient length to provide coactive resilience between said pivot rod and skirt element.

5. A tumbling device useful on an inclined surface to simulate erratic (walking movements comprising a generally hollow structure, a downwardly depending skirt element on said structure having a lower terminal edge defining a plane, a pivot element disposed within the confines of said skirt element in position spaced from and independent of said skirt element for relative movement with respect thereto and depending slightly past the plane of the terminal edge of said skirt element, and means subject to resilient flexure under the effects of forces eXer-table by the Weight and movement of said tumbling device for energizing the relative movement between said pivot element and skirt.

6. A tumbling device useful on an inclined surface to simulate erratic walking movements comprising a generally hollow structure, a downwardly depending skirt element on said structure having a lower terminal edge defining a plane, a pivot element disposed within the confines of said skirt element in position spaced from and independent of said skirt element for relative movement with respect thereto and depending slightly past the plane of the terminal edge of said skirt element, means subject to resilient flexure under the effects of forces exert-able by the Weight and movement of said tumbling device for energizing the relative movement between said pivot element and skirt, and a counterweight adjacent the free end of said rod.

7. A tumbling device useful on an inclined suriace to simulate erratic walking movements comprising a generally hollow structure, a downwardly depending skirt element on said structure having a lower terminal edge defining a plane, a pivot element disposed within the confines of said skirt element in position spaced from and independent of said skint element for relative movement efining a plane, a pivot element disposed within the confines of said skint element in position spaced from and independent of said skirt element for relative movement with respect thereto and depending slightly past the plane of the terminal edge of said skirt element, and resilient means intermediate said pivot and skirt elements providing relative movement therebetween.

3. A tumbling device useful on an inclined surface to simulate erratic walking movements comprising a generally hollow structure, a downwardly depending skirt element on said structure having a lower terminal edge defining a plane, a pivot element disposed within the confines of said skirt element in position spaced from and independent of said skirt element for relative movement with respect thereto and depending slightly past the plane of the terminal edge of said skirt element, and a flexible diaphragm member intermediate said pivot and skirt elements providing relative movement therebetween.

4. A tumbling device useful on an inclined surface to simulate erratic walking movements comprising a generally hollow structure, a downwardly depending skirt element on said structure having a lower terminal edge defining a plane, and a pivot rod disposed centrally of said skirt element and independent therefrom tor relative movement with respect thereto and depending past the plane of said skirt element, said rod being of resilient with respect thereto and depending slightly past the plane of the terminal edge of said skirt element, means subject to resilient ilexure under the effects of forces exertable by the weight and movement of said tumbling device engaging said pivot element, and means for adjusting the effective length of said pivot'element to change the distance said element projects past said skirt element.

8. A tumbling device for toy and advertising display purposes to simulate erratic walking movements when allowed to move down an inclined surface adapted for use with upright structures having a base of smaller dimension than the height thereof and a, downwardly depending skint having a lowver terminal edge substantially defining a plane comprising a pivot element adapted to be disposed within the confines of the structure in position spaced from and independent of said skirt element with the lower extremity of said pivot element depending slightly past the plane of the lower terminal edge of theskirt thereof, and resilient means for securing the upper portion of said pivot element within said tumbling device structure with the lower extremity of said pivot element having complete freedom of movement relative to the lower terminal edge of said skirt.

9. A tumbling device for toy and advertising display purposes to simulate erratic walking movements when allowed to move down an inclined surface and adapted for use with upright structures having a base of smaller dimension than the height thereof and a downwardly dependingskirt having a lower terminal edge substanthe free end of said pivot element whereby the resultant purposes to simulate erratic walking movements when allowed to move down an inclined surface and adapted for use with upright struotures having a base of sma ler dimension than the height thereof and a downwardly depending skirt having a lower terminal edge substantially defining a plane oomprising a resilient pivot element adapted to be disposed Within the confines of the struc ture in position spaced finom and independent of said skirt element "and depending slightly past the plane of the lower terminal edge of said shirt, :and means fior holding said resilient pivot element operatively within said structure to provide complete freedom of movement between the lower free end of said pivot element and the lower terminal edge of said skirt.

References Cited in the file of this patent V UNITED STATES PATENTS FOREIGN PATENTS 107,738 Sweden t June 22,1943 

1. A TUMBLING DEVICE USEFUL ON AN INCLINED SURFACE TO SIMULATE ERRATIC WALKING MOVEMENTS COMPRISING A GENERALLY HOLLOW STRUCTURE, A DOWNWARDLY DEPENDING SKIRT ELEMENT ON SAID STRUCTURE HAVING A LOWER TERMINAL EDGE SUBSTANTIALLY DEFINING A PLANE, AND A PIVOT ELEMENT DISPOSED WITHIN THE CONFINES OF SAID SKIRT ELEMENT IN POSITION SPACED FROM AND INDEPENDENT OF SAID SKIRT ELEMENT FOR RELATIVE MOVEMENT WITH RESPECT THERETO AND DEPENDING SLIGHTLY PAST THE PLANE OF THE TERMINAL EDGE OF SAID SKIRT ELEMENT, SAID PIVOT ELEMENT BEING A ROD MEMBER 